Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower! 

JOB SUMMARY:

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) supports Shelton School District's Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans through occupational therapy services to children in the school setting under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist (OTR).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid occupational therapy assistant licensure with NBCOT and Washington State.
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background Check.
• No experience required; experience preferred in working with students with special education needs.
• Ability to incorporate lightheartedness, humor, and fun into the workplace.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
• Ability and willingness to support and follow the Shelton School District Strategic Plan, School Improvement Plans, School Board Policies and Procedures, all regulations pertaining to public education and special education, and District initiatives.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office applications and Google Suite.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with typical office equipment including but not limited to copy machines and multi-line telephone systems. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of the job.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain good standing with state and national certification.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Ability to drive and travel to multiple school locations daily.
• CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.           
• Ability to occasionally work beyond the regularly scheduled hours to attend IEP meetings.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides occupational therapy services to students by direct or consultation to address range of motion, sensory strategies and techniques, fine and gross motor activities as related to IEP goals under the supervision of an OTR.
• Documents data for progress monitoring with district information technology systems. 
• Reads and responds to emails.
• Consults and collaborates with teachers and teams by suggesting ideas for classroom interventions. 
• Trains Para Educators as needed. 
• Drives between schools as necessary.
• Prepares and plans for groups or individual sessions.
• Collaborates with OTR on a regular basis. 
• Completes Medicaid documentation if requested to do so.
• Attends OT/PT professional learning meetings.  
• Participates in continuing education courses or ongoing district professional development.
• Attends meetings as directed or appropriate.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO:   Director of Special Education or the designee.

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: 180 days per school year, 7 hours per day

LOCATIONS: Will serve all buildings in alignment with program and student need.

SALARY: $31.51 - $36.87, depending on experience.

BENEFITS: 12 sick leave days; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under School Board Policies and Procedures.